Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults that take it. They work by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. This is why many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.
Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice daily. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice every day.
These drugs can cause undesirable side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally diminish over time and can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medicines and the most effective one depends on the individual. These are prescription drugs however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. Most of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help people how to deal with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. Take a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however, they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior. adhd medication uk can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.
